England start their life post Alastair Cook retirement with a daunting three-match series against Sri Lanka away from home with the first Test at the Galle International Stadium from Tuesday.

The hosts haven’t been impressive recently, but their Test pedigree is still of note at home. Making this important for the hosts is the fact that their star bowler Rangana Herath will be playing the last match of his career.

Sri Lanka

The hosts were no match for the English men losing the five-match ODI series 3-1 and the only T20I. However, their last appearance in Test whites was against South Africa in July.

They won that series 2-0 and the series win was fashioned by Dimuth Karunaratne (356 runs), Dilruwan Perera (16 wickets) and Herath (12). All three will once again be vital to the Lions’ hopes of bringing England down.

Dinesh Chandimal comes back into the side as the hosts hope for improved batting performances.

England

It will be a different line-up from the visitors as well, as they come to terms with Cook’s retirement post the India series they won 4-1. Jos Buttler (349 runs) and James Anderson (24 wickets) were the architects of that win, but will be the first to admit that conditions here will be completely different.

Captain Joe Root’s ability to play spin will be crucial for his side’s chances, especially with Jonny Bairstow out with an injury. Rory Burns and Keaton Jennings at the top do not inspire confidence, and England will hope for their all-rounders Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes to fire in tandem.

Match Up

Sri Lanka defy form when it comes to home Tests, especially against non-sub continental sides. Herath and Perera love the conditions here and will look to make the most of it.

England have a lot to ponder – both on their combinations and form, ahead of the match. A lot will depend on how quickly their batsmen adapt, but their historical problems against spin peg England back.

History & Statistics

Sri Lanka have won nine of their last 13 Tests at home.

Sri Lanka have won five of their last six Tests played at Galle.

Sri Lanka are unbeaten in four Tests played against England at Galle.

Sri Lanka’s Dilruwan Perera has 45 wickets in seven Tests at Galle.

England have lost nine of their last 11 Tests played away from home.

England’s Joe Root has seven scores of 50+ in his last 13 innings away from home.

Key Players

All eyes will be on Herath, but Perera’s recent form has been excellent for Sri Lanka. The off-spinner could trouble England with his consistent lines and sharp turns.

It will not just be Ali’s off-spin that will be in focus, but also his batting. The versatile player could be slotted in the middle-order as England look to find a solution to their away woes.

Tips

Back Sri Lanka to win at odds of $2.87 (bet365).

Back Joe Root to score a fifty in first innings at odds of $2.37 (Ladbrokes).

Back Dilruwan Perera to be man of the match at odds of $10.00 (bet365).

New Zealand hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Bangladesh and the teams move to Wellington for the second match starting on Friday with question marks over the visitors’ ability to compete.Read More